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I just got my annual notice of increase from UHC. In June I'll be paying $25 a month more and it will go up another $8 in September. I was on the plan F until last year when UHC raised my rate significantly. When I switched to the plan G I figured it will probably go up soon. It has gone up but not as dramatically as the plan F kept going up every year.
I just got my annual notice of increase from UHC. In June I'll be paying $25 a month more and it will go up another $8 in September. I was on the plan F until last year when UHC raised my rate significantly. When I switched to the plan G I figured it will probably go up soon. It has gone up but not as dramatically as the plan F kept going up every year.
How easy was it to change? Our F is becoming ridiculous and are considering changing but when I called UHC they made it sound so complicated. The woman told me that if I applied for G and was denied due to medical underwriting then going back to F would mean that my rates would take a huge jump, almost as though I was applying new for F. That didn't seem right as I thought I would just keep going on F as though nothing had happened. I tried to explain that to her but she just kept telling me that I would get a huge jump on F, even more than what I was paying now. She acted as though it would affect her pay if we changed!! We don't have a lot of claims other than just regular doc visits.
How easy was it to change? Our F is becoming ridiculous and are considering changing but when I called UHC they made it sound so complicated. The woman told me that if I applied for G and was denied due to medical underwriting then going back to F would mean that my rates would take a huge jump, almost as though I was applying new for F. That didn't seem right as I thought I would just keep going on F as though nothing had happened. I tried to explain that to her but she just kept telling me that I would get a huge jump on F, even more than what I was paying now. She acted as though it would affect her pay if we changed!! We don't have a lot of claims other than just regular doc visits.
Ask about Plan N. At one time UHC allowed a downgrade to N without medical underwriting. Premium differential can be substantial as one ages. You would pay the $240 Part B deductible, plus $20 copay for doctor visits. Plan N does not cover excess fees charged by nonparticipating providers, but those are rare. Chances are all your doctors are participating Medicare providers.
Many here have Plan N, have had serious surgery and cancer issues, and have been very happy with the coverage. As an example, in WI, at my age 82, the premium differential between Plan F and N is over $1,200 a year. Unless you are doctoring 48 weeks of the year, Plan N would be a better choice.
Also, again as a reminder, high-deductible F/G can be an excellent alternative for the full Medigap at a fraction of the cost. Medicare pays its 80%, you pay the copays up to $2,800. Many people here have the HD plan. At my age 82, premium for the HD is $848/year. Recent thread on the HD plan, here:
Depending on your state, you may need to undergo health underwriting to switch to an HD plan. UHC at this time does not offer the HD in most states, although they are planning a rollout for the HD in Florida in June. However, many other carriers do offer the HD. Mine is with United American.
Last edited by Mike from back east; 04-30-2024 at 02:18 PM..
Reason: Corrections made per the O.P.
I'm 67, turning 68 in five months. My UHC/AARP Plan F went up $15/month starting for the month of June ($147 -> $162).
You are early in your discount period. I'm 71, turning 72 in July and hubby is 72 turning 73 in Oct. We both started our Medicare/Supplement when we turned 65 so that gave him a year on me. Our joint charge has been $444.17 per month and is is jumping up to $497 in June. Of course we have separate accounts now so I see that his is about $40 more than mine due to the discount year. Mine is immediately going up another $20 in July for my birthday, and his is going up $20 in October. So we will be over $500 per month for the 2 of us by the end of this year. Hubby works part time and part of his agreement is that the employer gives him a monthly amount which covers the UHC, but hubby has to fully retire in Sept, so that will go away in Sept. We really need to find something cheaper.
You are early in your discount period. I'm 71, turning 72 in July and hubby is 72 turning 73 in Oct. We both started our Medicare/Supplement when we turned 65 so that gave him a year on me. Our joint charge has been $444.17 per month and is is jumping up to $497 in June. Of course we have separate accounts now so I see that his is about $40 more than mine due to the discount year. Mine is immediately going up another $20 in July for my birthday, and his is going up $20 in October. So we will be over $500 per month for the 2 of us by the end of this year. Hubby works part time and part of his agreement is that the employer gives him a monthly amount which covers the UHC, but hubby has to fully retire in Sept, so that will go away in Sept. We really need to find something cheaper.
Yes, it gets insane. I have used mine once in 6yrs for a colonoscopy. They paid a whopping $241. which would have been easy to pay out of pocket.
How easy was it to change? Our F is becoming ridiculous and are considering changing but when I called UHC they made it sound so complicated. The woman told me that if I applied for G and was denied due to medical underwriting then going back to F would mean that my rates would take a huge jump, almost as though I was applying new for F. That didn't seem right as I thought I would just keep going on F as though nothing had happened. I tried to explain that to her but she just kept telling me that I would get a huge jump on F, even more than what I was paying now. She acted as though it would affect her pay if we changed!! We don't have a lot of claims other than just regular doc visits.
I switched in conjunction with moving from Florida to Indiana and I did have to undergo medical underwriting. I just had to answer several questions over the phone but it wasn't complicated. Actually, changing my address with Aetna Silverscripts was far worse. They asked me a zillion questions over the phone. I was on the phone with them for over an hour. Silverscripts has jacked my rate up considerably in the past year and I'm pretty sure I'll be dumping them in the Fall. They are about worthless in my opinion.
I think UHC will keep jacking up rates on plan F until people give up on it and switch to a cheaper plan. For me it was a no brainer to switch as the premium difference between F and G was greater than my plan G deductible.
I switched in conjunction with moving from Florida to Indiana and I did have to undergo medical underwriting. I just had to answer several questions over the phone but it wasn't complicated. Actually, changing my address with Aetna Silverscripts was far worse. They asked me a zillion questions over the phone. I was on the phone with them for over an hour. Silverscripts has jacked my rate up considerably in the past year and I'm pretty sure I'll be dumping them in the Fall. They are about worthless in my opinion.
I think UHC will keep jacking up rates on plan F until people give up on it and switch to a cheaper plan. For me it was a no brainer to switch as the premium difference between F and G was greater than my plan G deductible.
Thanks for the info. Your experience gives me a bit of hope. What I don't understand is why can't they just look at our claim history? Since we have been with them since the beginning they have it all right at their fingertips. A simple yes or no should be easy. I realize who you first talk with isn't an underwriting person, but just connect me with one and we'll get it done. Everything anymore is way too difficult. I can't imagine my parents having to deal with all this stuff.....they would have driven me crazy getting it done or else do something that cost them big time.
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